Vinesh Phogat asks Sports Ministry to announce schedule, format of Olympic trials – Firstpost

Vinesh Phogat urged the Sports Ministry and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to announce the schedule and format of the trials less than three months before the Paris Olympics.

Phogat had clinched a quota place for the country in the 50kg category during the continental qualifiers in Bishek last month. But according to the norms, she will have to undergo trials before the final team is announced.

Five Indian female wrestlers and one male wrestler have won their quota for the Paris Olympics.

“Despite being just under three months away from the Paris Olympics, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is yet to announce the format of the official trials, including the date, time and venue.

“It is worth noting that all federations have announced the qualification route and clear format as early as December 2023, or at the latest by January 2024,” Vinesh wrote on ‘X’.

https://twitter.com/Phogat_Vinesh/status/1790757510267515386?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

“I request the Sports Ministry, Sports Authority of India, IOA and the Wrestling Federation of India to prioritize this issue and promptly and officially announce the dates, time , location and exact format of the tests.

“Our athletes have worked tirelessly to achieve their quotas and they deserve the assurance and support of a transparent and well-defined selection process,” she added.

If she qualifies, Phogat will compete in her third Olympic Games and believes the clarity of the schedule will “maximize” the chances of winning medals at the Summer Games which begin on July 26.